Passports
Information on obtaining & renewing passports
It is recommended to apply for your passport at least three months before you plan on studying abroad, especially if you also need to apply for a visa. It can take four to 12 weeks to get your passport after you apply.
Passport Agents
Winona: Vital Statistics Office, 74 W 3rd St, Plaza Square
Minneapolis: Hennepin County Service Center, 300 S 6th Street
St. Paul: Ramsey County, 15 W Kellogg Blvd, RM 110
St. Paul: Health Department, Vital Records, 555 Cedar Street
Chicago: Chicago City Clerks Office, 121 N LaSalle Street, Room 100
For several more locations, go to the U.S. Department of State website.
1. Application
You can pick up a Passport Application in the Study Abroad Office, Saint Mary's Hall, Room 136, or you may download an application from the U.S. Department of State website. DO NOT sign the application until you are in the presence of a passport agent. The application can either be completed online and printed, or a blank application can be printed and filled out by hand. The application must be printed on one-sided pages.
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship
You need one of the following: a certified birth certificate, previous passport, consular report of birth abroad or certification abroad, naturalization certification or certificate of citizenship. To secure an official copy of your birth certificate, contact the Office of Vital Statistics of your birthplace. For information on offices in all 50 states, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
3. Proof of Identity
You must prove your identity with your driver's license or Government ID.
4. Two Passport Sized Photos
Photographs can be professionally done or digitized. If digitized, they must meet the same requirements of all passport photographs. They need to be:
- 2 x 2 inches in size, 2 identical shots
- Taken within 6 months, showing current appearance
- Color
- Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background
- 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- Taken in normal street attire
In Winona, photos can be taken at Mays Photo, Sharp One Hour Photo, Walgreens, Walmart and the Post Office.
5. Fees
The application fee is $75.00, and the execution fee is $25. Two separate checks or money orders are required for the passport, no cash.
$75.00 to the U.S. Department of State
$25.00 to the particular office where the passport application is processed
For an additional fee ($60.00, plus two-way overnight delivery costs), the processing of your passport application can be expedited, taking only 2 weeks. Passports are good for 10 years.
6. Provide Social Security Number
To renew a passport, in a padded envelope, mail your renewal application (available on the U.S. Department of State website), photos, your old passport and a $75.00 check payable to U.S. Department of State to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.